Browse all

come away

B1 neutral intransitive
In simple words

To leave somewhere with a feeling or idea; or for a piece to fall off something.

Literal meaning: Transparent in the physical detachment sense: to come free and away from the surface.

Meanings

1 B1 idiomatic neutral

To leave a place or experience with a particular feeling, impression, or result.

"I came away from the interview feeling much more confident than I had expected."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 neutral

For a piece or part to become detached from a surface.

"The wallpaper came away easily once she applied the steam."

Grammar: inseparable
3 A2 neutral

To leave a place, sometimes used as a command or invitation to move away from somewhere.

"Come away from that cliff edge — it's not safe!"

"Come away, come away, death, / And in sad cypress let me be laid."

— William Shakespeare, Twelfth Night, Act II, Scene 4
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

The 'leave with an impression' sense is very common and important for B1+ learners: 'I came away feeling inspired.' The 'become detached' sense is also frequent: 'The handle came away in my hand.' Often followed by 'from' + place or 'with' + result.

Commonly used with

feeling impression sense convinced handle skin disappointed

Forms

Base
come away
I/you/we/they
3rd person
comes away
he/she/it
Past simple
came away
yesterday
Past participle
come away
have + pp
-ing form
coming away
continuous

Understand "come away" better

Try:

Real video examples

Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.

Want to master this phrasal verb?

Practice "come away" on Looplines